Thunderstorms again drench mountains, deserts

SAN DIEGO COUNTY – Scattered thunderstorms rocked the county mountains and deserts for the second straight afternoon Friday, but there were no reports of major flooding or damage.

Heavy showers briefly washed rocks across roads in and around Borrego Springs. The tiny community of Ranchita, between the mountains and Borrego, recorded 0.35 of an inch of rain. Nearby San Felipe got 0.51 of an inch.

The official weather station in Julian recorded no rain, but there were several reports of heavy downpours in the area.

A more powerful storm pounded Imperial County near El Centro around 4 p.m. Radar showed the storm was capable of 60 mph winds and nickel-sized hail.

National Weather Service forecasters say there is a slight chance of thunderstorms in the county mountains and deserts again Saturday, but the threat should be minimal by Sunday.

Stargazers hoping to catch the peak of the Perseid meteor showers late Monday night and early Tuesday morning may want to head to the East County backcountry, which should be clear then. Low clouds and fog could obscure the views along the coast and in the inland valleys, according to the weather service.